Are you thinking about suicide? Here are 5 suggestions to consider:
- Wait. Decide not to do anything right now to hurt yourself. You do not have to act on your thoughts of suicide. Suicidal behaviour is an attempt to solve what feels like an overwhelming set of problems. When we are struggling to cope, our mind closes down on creativity and our problem-solving skills become much more limited. Your thoughts and feelings CAN change.
- Talk to someone; it could be a friend or family member, or a support service of some kind. There are people who want to listen and who can help you.
- If talking is difficult, there is online support here. Someone who wants to help you is just a click away.
- Try to keep yourself safe for now
- Spend some time thinking about what your reasons for living might be.
Worried about someone else?
- Be alert – Not everyone who thinks about suicide will tell someone, but there may be warning signs.
- Be honest – Tell the person why you’re worried about them, and ask about suicide. Tell them you want to know how they really are, and that it’s OK to talk about suicide.
- Listen – Just listening is one of the most helpful things you can do. Try not to judge or give advice.
- Get them some help – It’s OK if you don’t know how; the ideas on this page can get you started.
- Take care of yourself – You may find it helpful to discuss your feelings with another friend, or a confidential service.
Key Resources
Emergency 999
Call an ambulance if you are in danger
Call 999 for an ambulance or the police.
NHS A&E
Go to your local A&E if you can
You can also go to, or call your nearest accident and emergency department and tell the staff team that you are thinking about suicide, or with a person who is thinking about suicide.
Use your preferred search engine (e.g. Google, Bing, Yahoo!) and search for “nearest A&E”
NHS 111 Service
Call if you need non-emergency medical help
Call 111 if you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 111 Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support
The Samaritans are a 24 hour confidential, listening service providing emotional support for anyone in crisis.
Call 116 123 (free)
Email jo@samaritans.org
Send an email Email jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org
CALM Helpline
Confidential, anonymous support for men
The Campaign Against Living Miserably offers confidential, anonymous and free support information and signposting to men anywhere in the UK through their helpline.
Call 0800 58 58 58 (nationwide, open 7 days a week, 5pm to midnight. Calls are free from landlines, payphones, and all mobiles)
Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat
www.thecalmzone.net
Papyrus
Prevention of young suicide, for the under 35s
Papyrus is a national confidential helpline for any young people (under 35) at risk of suicide, or anyone worried about a young person at risk of suicide. The helpline is open 10am-10pm Weekdays, 2pm-10pm Weekend, 2pm-5pm Bank Holidays
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Send an email Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text 07786 209697 Send a message (You do not have to give your name or location)
www.papyrus-uk.org
The Silver Line
Friendship and advice to older people
The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Support to LGBT+ communities in the UK
Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging. The service is open 10am-10pm every day. All volunteers are self-identifying LGBT+.
Email chris@switchboard.lgbt
Send an email Email chris@switchboard.lgbt
Online chat: switchboard.lgbt/help/#
www.switchboard.lgbt
The Stay Alive App
Our free mobile app is for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone. It is packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.
Alongside the resources, the app includes a safety plan, customisable reasons for living, and a LifeBox where you can store photos and memories that are important to you.
You can also read the strategies for staying safe, explore the tips on how to stay grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed, try the guided-breathing exercises and support your own wellness by creating your own interactive Wellness Plan.
#StayAlive
Safety Plan and Reasons for Living
Use this worksheet to make your own Safety Plan, and perhaps spend some time considering what your Reasons For Living might be. The result is a document you can keep and reflect on in times when you need to stay safe.
Important!
We believe there’s no shame in reaching out for help if you are feeling stressed, depressed or experiencing suicidal crisis in some form. If you’re not sure of who to reach out to in your community, some of the services on these pages could help. People who care are ready to help you right now.
These pages are intended as a self-help tool and are not intended as a substitute for professional services. Please seek help from a crisis service, doctor or mental health service if you are thinking about suicide. These pages contain information about where to find help.
